The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is Australia's national transport safety investigator. The ATSB's function is to improve safety and public confidence in the aviation, marine and rail modes of transport. The ATSB is Australia's prime agency for the independent investigation of civil aviation, rail and maritime accidents, incidents and safety deficiencies.

Summary

Summary

After landing on runway 27 the crew of VH-TAD commenced taxying the aircraft along taxiway echo, back to the terminal. It was necessary to obtain a clearance to cross runway 34 on the way in. In the control tower the aerodrome controller issued a clearance to another aircraft to take off on runway 34. He also gave approval to the surface movement controller to allow VH-TAD to cross runway 34 behind the aircraft taking off. The surface movement controller then issued a clearance for VH-TAD to cross runway 34. In doing this he omitted to say to cross behind the departing aircraft. The crew of VH-TAD saw the other aircraft taking off on runway 34 and held VH-TAD short of runway 34 until the other aircraft had passed. Significant Factor The following factor was considered relevant to the development of the accident: 1. The surface movement controller incorrectly issued a clearance for VH-TAD to cross runway 34, in lieu of saying to cross behind the aircraft taking off on runway 34.